I am trying to decide if subscribing to the site is right for me. What can a beginner with 3d software expect out of this site? I can't access any real content to see if it is what I am looking for.
I am very happy with my subscription. I have learned things from here that my 4 years of undergrad never taught me, fundamental things I should have learned to be a better modeler. I also really like the class/assignment format, something I can watch and then try and have other people critique me. Plus, the month-long workshops are really fun and a great way to interact with the instructors.
Ya for sure. I highly recommend it. I started a good 7 months ago but learned so much stuff. Different ways to work and create cool and amazing stuff. You get acces to livestreams, live workshops or the older ones. Acces to all pre-recorded videos so if you want to learn this my answer is yes. This is also one of the best community's I ever had. Tons of content to learn from and if you're stuck or have questions you have the forum or help desk to help find a solution :)
Been here since 2013. You will receive structured content in a well explained format geared towards beginners to intermediate and even advanced. I was an extreme beginner, and YouTube and forums confused me greatly the demotivated me. I only happened to stumble upon CGCookie at that time when I was about to give up.
The older videos on the website share theory, such as proper topology and how to create textures from scratch without buying software, so just because the videos appear to be old, the content is extremely relevant (albeit the older version of Blender may confuse you, but you can always download older versions of Blender on an extra computer, and keep the new Blender 2.8 on your strong machine--at least that's what I did and still do).
The newer videos do the same, but tend to go with current trends received from interviews and partners in the industry, such as the most relevant software to use, which is great too if you are looking into what the industry is currently using, but more software means more money of course. You can also learn that even though Blender can do some task, another software can do it better.
I would start with the courses at the beginner level then maybe add in a few tutorials from that section when you are ready.
CG Cookie is good about quick replies, but don't get spoiled with it and then get upset if a couple times they take an extra day to reply.
You also get assignments and quizzes if you are into it, and live classes. I never got into the grading, but you may get the community to grade your projects. There is a gallery to share your work.
Blender was designed as a one stop program so you don't have to go out and buy all these bells and whistles to do something, such as making normal maps, textures, rigs, models, etc. Blender can do it all (modelling, textures, lighting, rigging, animating, exporting, importing, VFX, video editing, and more) if you take the time to learn, and you can learn it here on CG Cookie.
I've been a member for 3 months now. At first I wasn't sure if subscribing was the right for me. I was looking around a few different sites, and it was difficult to choose. And also the fact that there is so much free stuff out there to learn from made me a bit hesitant as well. But I was starting to feel lost, and felt like I was watching more tutorials that didn't really give me anything than those that did. Anyways, since they offered money back if I wasn't satisfied, I decided to try it out. If it was the right for me, great! If not, well, at least then I would know, and nothing really lost.
So what's my personal experience? Joining CG Cookie has been the best decision I've made in a long time! The way the videos are done resonates with me; the community is awesome with super nice people from all over the world, and lots of things to do here that will always keep you busy. Is there anything I'm not happy about? Yes, the fact that I didn't join earlier! I don't mean to sound silly here. I'm still a very new member, but I'm a lot more enthusiastic and excited about learning after becoming a member. Very often, the first thing I think about when waking up in the morning is wondering if there is anything new happening on CG Cookie.
Everyone is different, though. If one of the reasons you are looking for a place to join includes community, this is definitely a great place to be with lots of friendly people willing to answer questions. If you just want to go solo and learn from well structured videos, still a great place to be. I would suggest doing what I did, to just try it out for a few days or weeks, and if after that time you feel it's not for you, try to find another place that's more suitable. But I'm guessing, that just like me, you would choose to stay!
I've been around from 2015. and taking sub here was one of the good choices i've made since i decided to learn to do 3d. What you will get is very well structured courses and lessons to dive deeper into 3d. I can only echo more what people here already have replied to you.
for a beginner cgcookie has been great help for me to getting better. and top of that, the staff are professionals on what they do and the community is great too. :)
Ive been kicking about the free stuff for a while, but started my Sub here back in 2016 and I started out having never really opened blender before and not having any 3D background.
Now I personally just want to learn a hobby, but learn it in a structured way, and have to say that this site has surpassed any expectations by a mile.
with structured courses from industry professional tutors, an absolutely brilliant and engaging community.
So for the price of a fish supper and a pint, give it a go for a month and see if its for you, hope you'll be pleasantly surprised.
The Workshops/Classes alone are worth it. I attended the vehicle modeling class and learned more in that time alone than I had in the six months before that.
I agree with everything that's been said by others already, it's worth every penny!! 😄
ggfxmanx Can you clarify what you mean? We offer more than 2 courses in Blender. We have quite a few courses in Blender, maybe we can help you find what you're looking for.
ggfxmanx I counted them just now: 83 courses, 49 tutorials, 106 recorded livestreams and more added every month. And that's just for Blender! There is also game dev, concept art and real clay sculpting. New livestreams every week, full of valuable new info & lessons, which will also be recorded and you can watch them back any time you want. Workshops with peer and instructor feedback a couple of times per year to boost your learning. Feedback by crew members and peers on your submitted exercises (especially on the animation courses). Help by crew members if you have any question (all are very keen to help!!). All kind of resources, like game assets and rigged characters. And so on, and so on.
So I'm really puzzled by your comment about there being just two courses...?? 🤔
I counted them just now: 83 courses, 49 tutorials, 106 recorded livestreams and more added every month. And that's just for Blender!
ssmurfmier1985 That is awesome Miranda that you counted :D Somehow it is good feeling that someone does like I would do :D
+1 that CG Cookie worth it absolutely, there is much more content than time :-) Also confirming that there are brilliant instructors here